Some pet owners struggle to balance Napa HVAC energy efficiency and keeping their pets comfortable. It can be a challenge for those of us with scaly, furry, or feathery family members at home. Fortunately, there are excellent and effective ways to create an indoor climate that is perfect for all who dwell inside – without killing your drive to be energy efficient along the way. These simple tips can help you achieve comfort as well as efficiency with your furnace this season for the sake of your pets (and you):
- Keep Your Pets Groomed
It’s important for furry pets to stay bathed and groomed to stay healthy and comfortable. There’s another plus to be gained with grooming too: it limits the amount of fur, dander, and hair in your indoor environment, helping your Solano heating and air conditioning system work at its best. Be sure to change your furnace filter regularly to improve your indoor air quality in addition to your system’s performance.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat
Although you may not be very comfortable with your thermostat set at 72 degrees during the winter, your furry family member will be. Keep this in mind when you leave the house; you don’t have to be afraid of setting your thermostat a little lower in the winter while you’re away. Your animals have that coat of fur for a reason, and it does a great job at keeping them warm at temperatures below what humans are normally comfortable in. With a programmable (or a smart) thermostat, you can set the temp and forget it, and save energy in the process.
- Consider Energy-Efficient Entrances
You might not think too often about the doggie door you have installed, but maybe it’s time you should. Even though these little entryways for pets can be useful, they are often costly when it comes to energy efficiency. Warm air from the inside seeps out easily, taking your money right with it. Your furnace then has to work harder and more often to replace that lost heated air. Shop for a model that has excellent air sealing properties. If you don’t want to or can’t replace the one you have, make sure to keep your current door caulked well around the seams.
- Leaky Windows Are(n’t) for the Birds
Many types of pet birds originate from tropical locations that are consistently very warm – this means your pet bird won’t appreciate being kept in a location that is near a leaky window or a drafty doorway. Instead of turning up your Contra Costa HVAC system to compensate for this, move your pet bird away from those drafty areas. Consider installing clear plastic insulation over windows and check exterior doors to see if foam insulation can help seal away drafts from the cold outdoors. This will ease the burden on your heating and cooling system, saving you money and extending your system’s life.
- Automatic Schedules for Reptiles
If you’re the proud owner of a snake, lizard, or other reptile, you should already know that these types of pets have unique lighting and heating needs. Purchase a timer from your local pet or hardware store to automatically turn on and off heat lamps and lights for your reptile’s home. Your reptilian pets will appreciate the prompt schedule, and you’ll appreciate the energy cost management that automation provides. There’s no need to turn up your heat just to provide your scaly pal with a comfortable environment. Doing so would cost you much more than purchasing a heat lamp timer would!
Be sure to keep your heating and air system regularly maintained by our HVAC experts in Solano, Napa, and Contra Costa. Keeping your system in good shape will reduce its operational costs and extend its longevity, allowing you to keep everyone in your home – especially your pets – comfortable for many years. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance visit for your HVAC in Contra Costa and the surrounding areas.
